Self assessment of oral health and risk factors affecting oral hygiene status in adolescents attending dental clinic in University College Hospital, Ibadan

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, there is an increasing incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Major oral diseases such as caries and periodontal disease which are classified as NCDs, are not left out of this  trend. Recent reports are suggestive of increasing prevalence and severity of oral diseases among  adolescents, despite accessibility of dental services. Ascertaining the oral health status of adolescents  making use of dental services and how they perceive their oral health could help develop preventive and  therapeutic strategies. This study therefore aims to determine the self-perception of adolescents utilizing  dental services about their oral health and factors affecting their oral hygiene status.

Methodology: This clinic-based cross-sectional study was carried out among adolescents attending the  Dental Center, University College Hospital, Ibadan Nigeria. A total of 113 adolescents were recruited into  this study using a systematic random sampling technique. A WHO Oral health questionnaire was  administered to the participants. Questions were asked on sociodemographics, self-perception of oral  health and oral hygiene practices. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation were used to present the data. Independent T test and One way ANOVA were used to analyze  categorical exposure variables with normally distributed numerical outcomes. A p-value of <0.05 was  considered statistically significant.

Results: Majority of study participants had positive self-perception of health of their teeth (53.1%) and  gingiva (62.8%) respectively, their mean OHI-S was 2.24 with 62.8% of adolescents having a fair oral  hygiene. Mean DMFT was 0.96 with 75.2% of participants having a very low DMFT. OHI-S and DMFT were  both significantly associated with age of adolescents, with late adolescents having significantly higher  mean OHI-S and DMFT scores than early adolescents (p < 0.05). Adolescents who cleaned their teeth at  least twice daily had significantly higher DMFT values than those who cleaned once daily (P < 0.05). 

Conclusion: This study found late adolescents had higher DMFT and OHI-S scores. There might be need  to increase oral health awareness in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions to help improve  their oral health status. Its pertinent that adolescents are encouraged and taught good oral hygiene  measures when they visit dental clinics, in school and at home. Adolescents utilizing dental services are  likely to be more self-conscious about their oral health thus increasing the frequency of their teeth  cleaning.